9. A Caribbean Christmas

In the tropical islands of the Caribbean, the temperature is

above 75 degrees from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, which means that it is warm

and pleasant during Christmas. The Christmas season in the Caribbean is

also pleasant because it is far removed from the rainy season, which

usually occurs from late March to May. During Christmas time in the

Caribbean, the temperature is also more temperate and tolerable

compared to the searing hot days of the summer months.

As in many parts of the world, family, merriment, gift-giving are

among the many activities that the people of the Caribbean enjoy during

Christmas. Families often live in fairly close proximity to each other

however. But what makes getting together at Christmas so special is

that it often involves intense and laborious preparations that are not

done at any other time of the year.

In many homes, an intense cleaning is done in the two or three

weeks before Christmas Day. All furniture is moved and may even be

rearranged and new and fancy curtains put up for the season. The best

bed linens, tablecloths, cutlery and dinnerware are also used in

entertaining any visitors during the season. It is a common occurrence

for visitors, including people from the neighborhood, to stop for short

visits during the season.

During those visits, guests are entertained with certain food and

drinks, many of which are made only at Christmas time. These include

fermented drinks such as sorrel and mauby, as well as the alcoholic

drink rum punch. A special type of cake, called Black cake or

fruitcake, is also made at Christmas. It is made with raisins and other

dried fruit that are minced and placed in wine for several weeks.

This cake is the traditional dessert for Christmas dinner. The main

menu of a traditional Caribbean Christmas dinner includes baked

poultry, roast beef ham, boiled and steamed root vegetables, rice with

peas, seasoned rice or rice pilaf, with sorrel, rum punch or mauby as

the beverage.

Caroling has also been a tradition, although its practiced has

been declining in recent years. Small groups from churches or schools

will walk through neighborhoods singing Christmas carols or, will drive

from house to house to sing carols in neighborhoods primarily in rural

areas where houses are not always found in close proximity.

Two Christmas traditions that are unique to the Caribbean are the

practice of Jonkonoo and having a grand market. Jonkonoo consists of a

group of masked revelers who take part in a parade dancing to the beats

of drums, shaking tambourines and improvised instruments. The group

also include stilt walkers who appear as tall as some trees and single-

story buildings. Jonkonoos perform various antics to amuse onlookers

and to give candies and treats to children, especially younger children

who may seem scared of any of the Jonkonoo participants.

Grand market is the big outdoor market that takes place the week

before Christmas up to Christmas Eve. Outdoor markets, found in the

central points of regional towns, are common in the Caribbean as a

place to get fresh fruits, vegetables and produce that are grown by

local farmers. But at Christmas time, they also become filled with

assorted items that can be given as gifts and they bustle with activity

even after nightfall. It is a special treat for children to accompany

parents to grand market during the Christmas season.

Since Christmas falls during the high winter tourist season in

the Caribbean, Christmas is also an opportunity for many school

children to perform for tourists. Many hotels take advantage of the

fact that most schools and churches will have singing and dramatic

groups that perform the Christmas story and sing carols and Christmas

songs. These groups are often invited to provide local entertainment at

hotels and guesthouses during Christmas.

28. Christmas Movies

Movies related to Christmas help to create a fun atmosphere and can also

teach moral lessons related to Christmas. While everyone will have different

Christmas movies that are most enjoyable, there are some that remain favorites.

'A Christmas Story' is told from the point of view of a little boy in the

days before Christmas and on Christmas Day. It shows him doing routine things

each day but against the backdrop of the Christmas season with the decorated

store windows, Santa Claus, the snow and frostiness, and of course his wish for

a Christmas toy. But his parents disapprove of the toy that he desired. The

movie is good in showing the innocence of the Christmas season.

'A Christmas Carol,' written by noted author Charles Dickens, tells the

story of old Scrooge whose only purpose in life is to make money. Scrooge puts

making money above his family, friends and everyone who cares about him. His

response to Christmas is a grumpy, 'Bah Humbug.' He gets a different experience

however, when ghosts appear to him and try to point out the error of his ways.

The movie's lesson is about the importance of appreciating people in your life.

'It's A Wonderful Life' is a story about hope and the worthiness of

everyone. It tells the story of a man experiencing despair and self-destruction

because he thinks he is of no worth to those around him, and they would be

better off if he didn't exist. An angel grants him his desire and he gets to see

what he contributes and what life would be like without him.

Every Christmas, 'A Miracle on 34th Street' can be seen on television. It

asks and answers the question 'Is there really a Santa Claus?' The movie is

about a man who claims to be Kris Kringle, or Santa Claus, but is not believed

and so he has to prove his identity claim.

'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' is about the Griswold family with

Mr. Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, who gets into silly accidents that provide

a lot of humor. The movie shows the lives of the family as they celebrate

Christmas and the difficulties that arise when their entire family comes to

visit for Christmas.

'Home Alone' is about a large and chaotic family with lots of kids who are

going on Christmas vacation. Amid the chaos of leaving on the morning of the

trip, one child is left behind and must stay and fend for himself in a very

large house during the Christmas season. At first he was happy to be alone but

then two thieves break in and he has to fight them off. The movie shows the

importance of family and loved ones. A sequel, 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'

tells of the boy who was left alone going to an aunt and uncle's home and again

encountering the two thieves who are seeking revenge.

'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' was first made as an animation for

television but other versions have since been done as motion pictures. The

Grinch is a grouchy, green man who lives in the mountains above the small town

of Whoville where residents, called The Whos, celebrate Christmas

enthusiastically every year. The Grinch who doesn't like Christmas wants to

spoil it for Whoville and so he tries to steal all the toys, food and gifts that

The Whos have accumulated for Christmas. The movie provides a lesson on the true

meaning of Christmas.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas is an animated television movie about the

popular Peanuts comic strip. The movie is about the comic strip's main

character, Charlie Brown, and tells of the experience with his friends for

Christmas. It also has Biblical references that relates to the true meaning of

Christmas.

'Frosty The Snowman' is an animated story about a snowman, named Frosty,

that comes to life and who must avoid a greedy musician who is trying to get the

magic that brought Frosty to life. The movie is very funny and has lots of

wonderful songs.

'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' is also an animation about the reindeer

with a shiny nose that kisses a pretty girl and also helps out his friends.

24. Shopping During the Prime of the Christmas Season

The saying that goes, 'The early bird catches the worm,' is in part true

for those who get Christmas shopping off to an early start before the season

actually begins. Most of us however, are likely to be average shoppers who wait

until that time when the season officially begins. Maybe we don't have any time

before then and we have to wait for a day off from work after Thanksgiving. Or

maybe we simply procrastinate and can't get going until the frenzy starts or

until when the stores are all fully decorated and Christmas songs and Carols are

playing non-stop to put the thrill and magic into the festive season that is

Christmas.

Average Christmas holiday shoppers go out in force and are primarily

motivated by the sales that occur during the official Christmas shopping season.

These shoppers fully believe they are getting good prices and bargains from

Christmas and holiday sales. But it is unlikely that retailers will offer the

lowest prices during a time that is prime shopping season.

The lesson for the average and for all shoppers during the traditional

Christmas shopping season is to carefully evaluate prices and consider if the

item is fairly priced when compared to a the price during other times of the

year. If items are simply snapped up during Christmas and the holidays because

they are being offered in a 'sale,' the shopper may end up busting his or her

budget or having 'buyers regret' about a purchase.

Those who are average and early shoppers have some time however to get

over any unwise purchases because such purchases can be returned and a better

choice can be made.

There is however another type of shopper. The late or chronically late

shopper is stuck with hoping that 'Aunt Sally' or Grandma will like the gift

selected, even if the buyer had second thoughts about it after the purchase was

made. The late shopper is one who realizes that there us a mere five (5) days -

less than a week to go - before Christmas and not a single gift has been bought.

Worse off than the late shopper is the chronically late Christmas shopper

who is in a mad frenzy two (2) days before Christmas and faces a crisis when a

desired gift such as a book has to be ordered and won't be shipped in time for

Christmas.

While those shoppers can get comfort from knowing they will likely benefit

from the lowest markdowns of the period, they will also find scanty selections

and some items, primarily clothing, that appear a bit worn from all the looking

over and handling done by the hordes of Christmas shoppers. But even these late

shoppers, who are often procrastinators and who can only be spurred into action

by a looming deadline, can execute a strategy to make their Christmas shopping

successful. Such a strategy involves more don'ts than things to do.

Late Christmas shoppers should try to avoid having lists that have unusual or

hard-to-get items that will need to be ordered. While retailers will offer

shipping in time for Christmas, orders usually have to be made before a certain

time, for example at least 36-72 hours before Christmas. If items aren't ordered

within that timeframe, there is no guarantee that they will arrive for the big

day.

Those who do their Christmas shopping late should also be prepared to find

items on their own in stores and not expect to get 'hand-holding help' from

sales clerks. With only days to go before Christmas and with everyone trying to

get their last minute shopping done, it is impossible for most retailers to have

enough staff to offer expert or even meaningful help to please the majority of

Christmas shoppers.

Soon after the excitement of Christmas Day passes, what frequently is the

topic of conversations and what remains memorable in the New Year, is what gifts

were received and given. So, in the coming days, it may be worth it to assess

the type of shopper that you are and create a plan and strategy to make sure you

will be a perfect Santa who will deliver the right gifts to friends and loved

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8. Christmas In Other European Countries

In Finland, Christmas Eve is the traditional time to set up the Christmas tree

and it's also traditional to visit the sauna and for families to listen to a

broadcast of the national 'Peace of Christmas' on the radio. Christmas Dinner

generally consists of a main dish of boiled codfish that is snowy and fluffy in

appearance, served with cream sauce and boiled potatoes. Christmas dinner is

rounded out with roast suckling pig or roasted fresh ham and vegetables. Among

peasants, there is a tradition to tie a sheaf of grain, with nuts and seeds, to

a pole that is put in a garden for birds. Many peasants will wait until after

the birds have eaten before having their Christmas Dinner. And Santa Claus is

expected to visit homes in person with his Christmas elves to give out Christmas

gifts.

Christmas in France is called Noel, from the phrase 'les bonnes nouvelles,' or

'the good news,' which refers to the gospel. On Christmas Eve, cathedrals and

churches are beautifully lit and filled with the sounds of Christmas carols,

ringing church bells and carillons. The tradition among children is to put their

shoes by the fireplace for Pere Noel or le petit Jesus to fill them with gifts.

In the north of France however, children receive gifts on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas

Day, instead of Christmas. Most French homes will have a Nativity scene or

crèche on display during the season. In Southern France, some people will burn a

log in their home from Christmas Eve until New Years Day, which comes out of a

farming tradition of using the log for good luck in the coming harvest. The

French also make a traditional cake called the buche de Noel, or Christmas Log,

which is shaped like a Yule log and is part of a late supper called le reveillon

held after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The main dish for this meal generally

consists of poultry, ham, salads, cake, fruit and wine but varies according to

region. The main course in Burgundy is turkey with chestnuts and in Paris it's

oysters, foie gras and the buche de Noel cake. The wines generally served are

Champagne, Muscadet, Sauterne and Anjou. An annual tradition of puppet shows,

particularly in Paris and Lyons, is popular during Christmas time. In Paris,

it's also popular for big department stores to have grand, animated window

displays.

Christmas in Italy is called 'Il Natale,' or 'the birthday.' Christmas season

starts eight days before Christmas, a period called the Novena, and runs for

three weeks. During the Novena, children dress as shepherds and go from house to

house saying Christmas poems, singing and playing pipes. They often receive

money to buy gifts during this activity. The Nativity scene, called the

Presepio, has miniature figures, carved in great detail out of clay or plaster,

of the Holy Family in the stable and is the center of Christmas for families.

Families say prayers and children recite poems around the Presepio. Christmas

Eve dinner, called cenone, is a traditional dish of roasted, baked or fried eel.

In some regions, various types of fish is prepared for this dinner, as well as

pork, sausage in a pig's leg or turkey stuffed with chestnuts. Christmas sweets

are called panettone and traditionally have nuts and almonds. On Christmas Eve,

children set out their shoes for a kind, old woman or ugly witch called La

Befana, who rides on a broomstick down chimneys, to fill them with gifts of toys

or candies. If they were bad, their shoes will be filled with coal. Some

children wait until Jan. 6, the Epiphany, to receive gifts.

Norway is where the tradition of the Yule log started and which gave rise to

log-shaped cakes, cheese and other desserts during the holidays. Norwegians

today often go into the forest to cut their own Christmas trees, which is

secretly decorated on Christmas Eve to surprise children. After the Christmas

tree is revealed, Norwegians engage in 'circling the Christmas tree,' a

tradition in which everyone joins hands forming a ring around the tree. They

then walk around the Christmas tree singing carols. Gifts are distributed after

this ritual is finished.

4. Asides - Interesting Facts/ Notes About Christmas

It is an accepted fact that the Christmas tree tradition is one that was

brought to the shores of America by German immigrants who continued a practice

that was popular in their former homeland. Today, a Christmas tree, even a

miniature one, is present in just about every home at Christmas. It is therefore

interesting to note some little-know facts about the Christmas Tree and other

traditions related to Christmas.

The first interesting fact is the source of real Christmas Trees for some

Americans. These can be bought at a Christmas Tree Farm or at many local stores

and other places of business in just about every town and city across the

country around Christmas time. But according to the National Christmas Tree

Association, Americans buy about 330,000 Christmas trees that are real through

e-commerce or from a catalogue and have them shipped by mail-order.

The scent of real Christmas trees is the reason they are so popular. But as they

stand silently in their decorative wonder, they also are providing another

benefit. The Christmas Tree Association says the amount of oxygen produced on a

daily basis by one acre of Christmas tree is enough to provide enough oxygen for

18 people. And during the first week, a Christmas Tree at home will use up to

one quart of water each day to help retain its longevity for the many days of

Christmas.

Since Christmas celebrations gained popularity in America, the Christmas Tree

has always been a big tradition. During the 1950s however, artificial Christmas

trees were not always green. It was very popular during those times to have

artificial trees with other colors such as silver, pink and aqua. The appeal in

having these colored Christmas trees may have been due to the fact that they

looked shiny and bright and appeared like tinsel instead of green foliage.

An important ceremony related to the Christmas tree that gains national

attention during the Christmas season is the lighting of the National Christmas

Tree at the White House. This tradition can be credited to President Calvin

Coolidge who lit the first decorated Christmas tree outside at the White House

in 1923.

The lighting of the National Christmas Tree has also been used to convey some

symbolic meaning not related to Christmas. It was not lighted until Dec. 22 in

1963 because of a national mourning period of 30 days for the assassination of

President Kennedy. And while Teddy Roosevelt was President he gave an order that

banned the Christmas tree from the White House, not for the assassination of

President McKinley in 1901, which caused him to become president, but for

reasons related to the environment.

Also of note is that when the National Christmas Tree was lighted on Dec. 13 in

1984, temperatures were in the 70s during an unusually warm December.

Christmas has been celebrated in the United States since the 1600s although it

wasn't always very popular. It took more than two centuries into the mid-late

1860s for Christmas to become a popular holiday season all across America. So

maybe the rest of the country owes the holiday of Christmas Day to the state of

Alabama, which in 1836 became the first state to declare Dec. 25 a legal

holiday.

It is interesting to note that on Christmas Day of 1789 Congress was in session.

And to show how far ahead of the game Alabama was, it wasn't until June 26, 1870

that the federal government declared Christmas as a federal holiday.

Although Christmas is based on the Christian religion, not all Christian groups

celebrate the season. Among the Christian groups who do not celebrate Christmas

and related traditions such as sending greeting cards are Jehovah Witnesses.

Jehovah Witnesses and other non-participating Christian groups say Christmas

isn't specifically mentioned in the Bible as a time or reason to celebrate and

since they strictly adhere to the word of the Bible, they refuse to celebrate

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17. Yuletide Days of Old - Ancient and other Customs of Christmas

Christmas as a holiday period was instituted and celebrated at about the same

time as other winter solstice festivities because church leaders at the time

believed that would make more people participate in the new holiday period. That

objective was achieved, but people also carried over some pagan celebrations and

traditions into the religious Christmas celebrations.

As an example, people would attend church and then take part in a raucous,

drunken and carnival-like celebration, that has some similarities to Mardi Gras.

During this celebration every year, there would be a crowning of a beggar or

student as the 'lord of misrule.' Those taking part in the activities would

pretend to be loyal subjects to the 'lord of misrule,' During this time some of

the poor would also visit the rich in their houses and ask for some of their

best food and drink. Those among the rich who didn't cooperate would be subject

to rowdy behavior and mischief by the poor. For their part, the rich used

Christmas as the time when they would reach out to the poorer members of society

by tolerating them in such visits or by leaving out food and clothing for them.

For many centuries before the birth of Christ and the recognition of Christmas,

there had always been celebrations in many countries during the middle of

winter. During the darkest days of winter for example, the early Europeans were

said to celebrate light and birth. The winter solstice was a period of rejoicing

for many people because it meant that the worst part of winter was over and they

could therefore look forward to having days that were longer with more hours of

sunlight.

In that tradition, the Norse peoples in Scandinavia would celebrate a period of

Yule from Dec. 21, which was the winter solstice or start of winter, through

January. To recognize the re-emergence of the sun, fathers and their sons would

take large logs home and set them on fire. There would then be a big feast until

the log was completely burned out. That could take as much as 12 days to happen.

The custom also was one of hope for the Norse because there was the belief among

them that every spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be

born in the New Year.

Many parts of Europe also thought that the end of December was a perfect time to

celebrate because during that time, a lot of cattle would be killed to avoid

having to feed them during winter. For many people, the end of December was the

only time during the year when they had a significant amount of fresh meat. By

that time of year also, wine and beer that was made earlier in the year would

have fermented and be finally ready for drinking.

The tradition of Santa Claus has also been an ancient legend with slight

differences or variations in olden days from the 1700s in some countries. In

German and Switzerland, children who were well behaved would receive a Christmas

present from Christkind or Kris Kringle. Christkind, which means Christ child,

was believed to be an angel-like figure that went along with St. Nicholas on his

holiday journeys to deliver gifts.

A jolly elf by the name of Jultomten was believed to deliver presents in

Scandinavia in a sleigh that was pulled by goats. And in France, Pere Noel is

the one who fills the shoes of French children with Christmas gifts, sweets or

treats at Christmas time.

In Russia, there's a legend that Babouschka was an elderly woman who gave

incorrect directions to Bethlehem to the three Wise Men so that they wouldn't

find Jesus. She later felt sorry for doing so but couldn't find the Wise Men to

tell them about the error. Today in Russia, it is believed that on Jan. 5, the

day before the Epiphany or Three Kings Day, Babouschka visits Russian children

and leaves presents by their bedsides in the hope that one of the children will

be Baby Jesus and will forgive her.

Favorite Foods of Christmas

Favorite foods enjoyed by Americans for any given holiday, season or special occasion will likely include some ethnic

dish, given the many ethnic groups that reside in the country. Despite this variety of melting pot cuisine, there are some similarities in

dishes that will be a part of most meals during celebrations such as Christmas.

Christmas in the United States comes almost one month after another big holiday, Thanksgiving, in which the traditional

meal must consist of a turkey as the main dish. This dish also carries over into Christmas as roast turkey is one of the main dishes that

may be served for Christmas dinner. But unlike Thanksgiving, which is solely devoted to turkey meat, Christmas dinners may also

include other birds or poultry. These include roast goose or duck. Roasted ham may also be served. Cranberry sauce, vegetables,

pumpkin pie and a plum pudding or fruity Christmas pudding for dessert tops off traditional Christmas dinners. Mince pies and pastry

that is filled with a mixture of chopped, dried fruit may also be added to the menu.

For drinks at Christmas dinner, a bottle of champagne is very popular, as well as wines. But the everyday beverage of beer

is a must for many people to make a meal truly enjoyable.

Before Christmas Day and the big dinner arrives, there's also another type of food that Americans enjoy in large quantities

during the Christmas season. The consumption and sales of candies, gingerbread and other cookies and holiday treats increases rapidly

during the holidays. Similar to how department stores seek to attract shoppers to buy items for Christmas gifts, candy manufacturers

also put out special boxes and types of candies for Christmas and the holiday season.

A survey done in 2004 by the National Confectioners Association found that many adults derived much pleasure at

Christmas from giving and receiving candies and other treats. In their responses the survey participants said that giving decadent

boxes of chocolate to friends and family, placing candy canes on the Christmas tree and hiding candy treats in Christmas stockings

were favorite ways to give and receive candies, cookies and treats during the holidays.

Sweet treats remain popular at Christmas despite a constant message about dieting that is present in everyday life in the

media, in billboards and from some food manufacturers. At Christmas time, people feel free to enjoy the festive season without

constraints. But they also know that they can enjoy candies and cookies that are health conscious by eating ones that are targeted to the

low-carb dieter by having ingredients that are sugar-free and fat-free or both.

Cookies that are enjoyed at Christmas are often home-baked ones and usually include gingerbread items. The tradition of

gingerbread cookies at Christmas is also believed to have originated in Germany and brought to America by German immigrants.

German bakeries began baking very fancy gingerbread houses with icing as edible snow and other decorations after the Grimm

Brothers published their children's story, Hansel and Gretel. That story had a description of a house that was made of bread, a roof of

cake and windows of barley. The popularity of the creations by German bakeries gave rise to cookie cutters that were made in a

variety of shapes, enabling small gingerbread cookies of various shapes to be baked at home. Some of these cookies that had the

shapes of little people and animals were used to decorate Christmas trees.

More than one hundred years ago from today, German homes in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania would have cookies

that were up to one foot high in the front of windows of their houses as decorative items during winter. The cookies were often giant

gingerbread men and women that had colorful rows of buttons and big smiles. Passersby were often cheered and intrigued by the sight

and brought the idea to their homes on a smaller scale.

Being able to enjoy special dishes, candies, cookies and other goodies during Christmas and the holidays adds a sweet

flavor to the season and also helps to create warm and cherished memories.

34. Christmas Games and other Fun Activities

Maybe no other single activity really embraces camaraderie, playfulness

and fierce but friendly competition as heartily participating in playing indoor

games with friends and family. Christmas games does all those things but also

serves the purpose of bringing friends and family together to interact directly

with each other in a competitive and happy way.

Participating in Christmas games is another way of sharing, but it is also doing

something tangible to get into the festive, jolly and relaxed mode for the

holidays. Otherwise, its easy to get caught up in all the preparation and

shopping and become ridden with anxiety. Here are some holiday and Christmas

games that will cause fierce but friendly competition and leave everyone in a

jolly mood.

For the 'Gift Wrap' game, items needed will be small gifts, wrapping paper,

scotch tape and music that can be turned on and off at will. Each gift item is

wrapped in several layers of paper. The number of layers used will depend on the

duration you want the game to last. A gift is given to the group which should

start passing around the gift when the music starts. Whenever the music stops,

whoever has the gift should remove one layer of gift wrap. This continues until

the last layer of paper is removed. Whoever has the gift unwrapped gets to keep

it.

The items needed for the 'Sock Guessing' Christmas game are two or three thick

new thermal socks, items used or seen during Christmas, pens, pencils and paper.

Each sock is stuffed with 20-25 items that are used or seen during the

Christmas season. These can be useful items such as scotch tape, ornaments,

decorations etc. Each sock should have the same items and the opening should be

tied with a ribbon so the contents inside aren't visible. The socks are then

passed around for each person to try to feel and guess the items then write down

what they think is in the sock. The person with the most correct guesses of

objects is the winner and can be awarded a separate special gift or token.

The 'Gift Grab Card Game' needs two deck of cards and a few small Christmas

gifts that are wrapped to look very interesting and enticing. One deck of cards

is passed out one at a time to guests. Each should have an equal number of cards

from the deck. The gifts are then placed in the center of the group. Someone

then calls out cards from the second deck. Whoever has an identical card gets to

choose a gift. When all the gifts are taken, everyone can steal gifts from each

other until the deck is finished and those with gifts get to open and keep them

as prizes. The fun increases when the stealing begins because everyone will have

different ideas about which gift looks interesting and try to hang onto it by

stealing it over and over if it is stolen. Some people will also try to disguise

the fact they have a gift, although they should be kept in sight.

A children's Christmas game is 'Pin the Nose on the Reindeer,' which is the

Christmas game version of 'Pin the tail on the Donkey.' The items needed are a

drawing of a reindeer's head with an incomplete drawing of the nose and several

noses with the names on one side and tape on the other. The picture should be

placed against a wall so that children can reach the nose. Each child then gets

a nose. They take turns being blindfolded spun around a couple times to

disorient them a little then told to walk to the reindeer and place the nose on

the picture. The child who places the nose closes to the reindeer's nose wins.

A delightful Christmas game for work is the 'Match the Desk to the Item' game. A

day or so before the Christmas party at work, someone needs to secretly take one

item from each person's desk and assign a number to each item. At the party, all

the items are displayed for everyone to guess whose desk the item belongs to.

32. Holiday Parties at Work

During Christmas and the holiday season, the festive spirit and relaxed

mood even extends into the workplace where the pace is likely to slow

considerably as the volume of work is lessened. By having parties at work,

everyone can unwind a bit, have some fun and enjoy the satisfaction from the

results of a year of hard work. Colleagues at work can celebrate goals that have

been accomplished and look forward to an even more rewarding year.

Parties at work during Christmas and the holidays may include a voluntary

gift exchange and individuals have to make a decision whether or not they will

participate in it. In a situation where an individual may not know other

colleagues very well and is unsure what Christmas present to give, it may be

better to opt out of exchanging gifts. If the party and gift exchange is among a

fairly large group, such as company-wide or of several departments, it may not

be noticed if someone doesn't participate in the gift exchange. If it's a small

group however, it is likely to be noticed. To eliminate the possibility of any

negative talk regarding non-participation, it would likely be better to be among

those agreeing to exchange gifts.

A basic thing to remember in selecting gifts for Christmas gift exchanges

at work, which are usually called Secret Santa, is to not choose anything that

could be considered inappropriate or offensive. Although the sender won't be

revealed, it won't leave a good feeling and it will become the topic of

conversation among everyone.

Separate from the 'Secret Santa' Christmas gift exchange at work, it may

also be a good gesture to give Christmas presents, which can be small tokens or

even just candies or treats, to colleagues in a division or department if you

are the respective leader or manager. Such a gesture shows thoughtfulness and

that the work of individuals has been appreciated. It will be a good note on

which to end the year and to start a new one.

Another important thing to observe during Christmas parties at work is

good behavior that is considered casual but still business-like. Although there

will be much fun and laughter, it will still be occurring within a work

environment or within the parameters of work. So, individuals will still be

observed by their colleagues. It is of utmost importance to be careful about how

much drinking is done, or how much alcohol is consumed, because drunken or any

offensive behavior will not be tolerated and could have negative repercussions

on one's career.

The consideration of good etiquette is also something to be remembered and

observed at holiday parties at work. As examples, talking and laughing with food

in one's mouth, emptying a platter of delicious hors d'ouevres or bagging

candies, cookies or treats to take home are all considered poor etiquette.

A Christmas party at work can also provide an opportunity to have a brief

conversation with supervisors, managers and other company officials whom one may

not come in contact with frequently. It can be the ideal time to leave a good

impression on a key decision maker. By introducing yourself and striking up a

conversation, it is also putting a face to a name or making yourself known and

standing out among fellow colleagues. For those who are strivers and who want to

advance such interactions at work holiday and Christmas parties can be

beneficial and advantageous.

It's therefore important to keep in mind that while Christmas parties at

work are fun, there are still ways to inconspicuously seek some benefit while

you laugh and enjoy a break from the stress, competitiveness and daily routine

35. Christmas Decorations

The various types of decoration used at Christmas are what gives a pretty

and sparkling look, and what puts some splendor into the season. The Christmas

tree with its myriad decorations is a standard and central decorative element of

Christmas. But the presence of the Christmas tree is also enhanced by

decorations such as wreaths, garlands, lights and figurines.

Wreaths have a round or circular shape and are often used as the

decorative piece on the front of a door. Variations of wreaths include berry,

grapevine, poinsettia and snow. The berry wreath will have individual and small

clusters of red berries, holly leaves with features like a gold tint, pine cones

and needle styles. A grapevine wreath has a vine-like look and may have pine

sprigs and clusters of red berry.

Poinsettia wreaths showcase leaves that are red or different shades of red, and

may have glittered fruits such as pear, apple and grape clusters throughout its

structure. Based on the size of a poinsettia wreath, it may also have large or

small pine cones, pine sprigs and holly leaves. And then there are snow wreaths

that have an icy look from pine cones that are sprinkled or covered with snow

and which are scattered throughout the wreath.

Garlands are primarily used to decorate stairways, banisters and mantels.

Garlands also have variations such as those that have a lighted Christmas tree

look with twinkling lights and tiny ornaments or tinsel to sparkle. Others such

as a mixed needle lighted garland would have branches of wide and thin pine

needle and Christmas lights.

Christmas lights come in various forms and are also used in numerous ways

to make homes and business places shine and sparkle during the holidays.

Christmas lights may be colored or plain, may or may not twinkle, and may be

single-stringed or have multiple strings to be hung to create a look like

icicles, which makes them very flexible in how they can be used.

To beautify houses during the Christmas season, Christmas lights may be

strung around the roof line, in shrubs, placed at windows to form different

patterns and placed on patios or porches to hang as icicles. Lighted candles are

also used in windows to make them visually appealing.

Another type of lighted decoration seen during Christmas is in the form of

figures that are placed on lawns. It's a matter of personal taste that decides

how many figures to place on lawns, whether a lot or a few pieces or sometimes

just a single one may be attractive enough.

Christmas trees are the standard decorative elements that are mandatory during

the season. They may be real or artificial and can be placed inside or outside.

If placed outside, they should be lighted and also in a sufficiently lit but

subdued lighted area to maximize their visual beauty. Christmas trees are

wonderful to decorate because the entire family can participate in the

decorative process by placing the ornaments, baubles, lights and tinsel on the

tree. Some ornaments may even be personal, such as hand-made items or treasured

keepsake mementos. When these are placed on the tree every year, it can become a

tradition that is kept in the family and which creates a special memory as each

Christmas comes around.

Poinsettia flowers, with their flaming red leaves, are also a staple

decoration at Christmas time. They can be placed wherever it's suitable to place

plants. Poinsettias are commonly used around offices in general and personal

work spaces during the Christmas season.

If there's snow and a lucky 'White Christmas,' especially on

Christmas Day, then it's worth it to bundle up and with the children jump into

the snow to make a 'Frosty Snowman.' While a smiling snowman on a lawn is a

temporary decorative feature during Christmas, it's always a surprise and

delight because it means that children were out playing in the snow and having

fun.

Given the many types, variations and ways in which Christmas decorations

can be used, everyone can have some pleasure and be creative in arranging some

form of Christmas decoration to add their own sparkle and twinkle to the

11. Christmas in Central and South American Nations

In Central and South American nations, which have a fairly large Christian

population, the Nativity or Manger Scene is the main decoration in homes at

Christmas time. In Mexico, a Christmas tree may also be set up in some homes

along with the Nativity scene or Nacimiento. The Christmas tree is usually a

small artificial tree, called arbolito. It can also be as simple as a branch cut

from a special type of tree or a type of shrub that is then minimally decorated.

The primary Christmas celebration in Mexico is called La Posada. It is a

religious procession that dramatizes how Joseph and Mary tried to find a place

where Jesus could be born. During the procession, the participants carry images

of Mary and Joseph and go from house to house seeking a place to stay. During

Midnight Mass, which is called la misa del gallo or 'rooster's mass,' those in

attendance sing lullabies to Jesus. On Christmas Day children receive gifts as

well as candies that are stuffed into a piñata. This may be one or more

sculptures made of papier mache that are hung from the ceiling. Children are

blindfolded and take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks and scatters the

candies on the floor. All the children then scamper around as they try to get as

much candy as they can. Children also receive a gift on Jan. 6 from the Three

Wise Men, if they were good.

People in Venezuela usually put out pesebres, which show the Nativity

scene, on Dec. 16. Early morning church services, called Misa de Aguinaldo, are

also common from Dec. 16 to Christmas Eve. After Mass on Christmas Eve, a grand

dinner is traditionally enjoyed.

In Argentina, red and white garlands are used to decorate houses. After

attending Midnight Mass, Argentinians have a meal, toast each other, dance and

go out to see fireworks. The meal may be roasted pork or turkey, stuffed

tomatoes, mince pies, Christmas bread and puddings. Drinks such as cider and

juice made from different fruits are used for the toast. Christmas gifts are

opened on Christmas Eve just before the family retires to bed.

In Chile, Santa Claus is Father Christmas and is known as 'Viejito

Pascuero.' He arrives in a similar but slightly different manner than Santa

Claus because his reindeer is pulled by a taxicab. Chileans use small figures

made from clay to place near the Christmas tree in a display called pesebre to

show the Nativity story. The traditional Christmas dinner includes chicken soup

with stuffed potatoes, onions and corn on the cob. Another favorite item is a

Christmas bread that is called pan de pasqua and which is made with candies and

fruits.

Christmas customs in Brazil originate from the many different ethnic groups who

make up the country. The Nativity scene is called the Presepio and can commonly

be found displayed in homes, churches and stores. Papai Noel, or Father Noel,

resides in Greenland and brings gifts at Christmas. He is said to wear silk

clothing because Christmas occurs during summer when it is very hot in Brazil.

Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is called Missa do Gallo, because the coming day

is announced by the rooster and the Mass finishes at 1 am on the following day.

A traditional Christmas dinner, called Ceia de Natal, includes ham, turkey,

colored rice, a variety of vegetables and fruit dishes. Christmas Day Mass at

Catholic churches are mainly held in the late afternoon because people enjoy

sleeping late or going to the beach after having Christmas dinner. Christmas

festivities, which include folk dancing and singing, continue until January 6th,

which is called Three Kings Day.

44. All About Santa Claus

It's only fitting that since Santa Claus has the magnificent capability to

visit homes around the world in a single night that more than one place would

claim to be his home. It's common belief that Santa hails from the wintry North

Pole, but folks in Finland will also tell you that Santa calls that country his

home. To prove it, the Finns will even invite you to visit Santa in his workshop

before Christmas or during the year and talk with Santa Claus as he and his

elves busy themselves for their end-of-year Christmas expedition around the

globe.

The popularity in America today of the images and legend of Santa Claus

can be traced to the poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' that was written

by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822. In that poem, Moore described St. Nicholas as a

jolly fellow who flew from house to house in a sleigh pulled by reindeers and

waited for children to go to bed on Christmas Eve before he came down the

chimney to deliver Christmas presents for them.

Following the distribution of that poem, the popular magazine Harper's Weekly

published cartoons by Thomas Nast between 1863 and 1886 that depicted Santa as a

cheerful fellow with a large round belly and long white beard who wore a bright

red suit that was trimmed with white fur. In those cartoons, Santa also held a

sack, which was filled with toys for boys and girls, over his shoulder. The

cartoons also showed Santa reading letters from good boys and girls, working in

his workshop with his elves, checking his list to make sure he had all the

required toys and even showed his wife, Mrs. Claus.

The tradition of Santa Claus was brought to America however by Dutch colonists

who settled in New York City, which was called New Amsterdam at the time.

The real St. Nicholas is said to be a minor saint from the 4th Century with a

reputation for generosity and kindness that gave rise to legends of many

miracles that he performed for the poor and unhappy. One of the stories about

the legend of St. Nicholas is that he saved three poor girls who were sisters

from being sold into a life of slavery or prostitution by their father.

According to the legend, Santa Claus provided the girls with a dowry so that

they could get married.

The legend of St. Nicholas led to hundreds of people being devoted to him and

consequently thousands of European churches became dedicated to him. After the

Reformation period however, widespread practice and worship of St. Nicholas

disappeared in European countries that were Protestant, except in Holland where

the legend of St. Nicholas continued. St. Nicholas was known as Sint Nikolaas

but that was later corrupted to Sinter Klaas.

Dutch colonists took this tradition of Sinter Klaas to New York City where it

was adopted using the Englist name of Santa Claus. Over time, the Dutch legend

of the kindly saint was combined with old Nordic folktales about a magician who

punished naughty children and rewarded good ones with presents to give rise to

the stories that now exist about Santa Claus.

The red and white-trimmed suit of Santa Claus is believed to be the colors that

the original St. Nicholas worebecause red and white were the colors of the robes

worn by traditional bishops. It is also believed that the Coca Cola Co. played a

role in what is regarded as the popular look of Santa Claus today through

paintings by artist Haddon Sundblom that were placed in some of the company's

advertisement between 1931 and 1964.

31. Christmas Music

Christmas music in the form of carols, songs stringed or instrumental

renditions, is constantly heard during the Christmas season. Music forms the

background against which everything else takes place to make the Christmas

season different from all others. Christmas music plays such a significant role

that during the entire season, other popular music temporarily disappears from

radio. That may be the reason for all the different types of Christmas music -

sacred, secular, popular and traditional - that have emerged throughout the

years.

Popular and secular renditions of Christmas music has been developed by

musical artists and performers who 'make over' classic styles of Christmas music

with their own personal touch. One reason for popular make overs of Christmas

music may be because regular popular music is not heard during the holiday

season so pop musicians and artists do Christmas music to keep their voices

always in earshot of their fans and the general audience. It could also be that

they want to capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music.

Whatever the reason, it has become a trend for popular musical artists to

release new Christmas or holiday music albums during the season. Since variety

is the spice of life, it means there are more variations of secular, sacred,

classical or traditional and popular renditions of Christmas music that can be

heard.

Music at Christmas time is important to create the right mood. The

prevalence of Christmas music is what helps to create the special holiday type

of feeling or spirit that is present everywhere and among everyone. Everyone has

particular Christmas songs and carols that are favorites, maybe for the melody,

the lyrics or because they are reminders of special memories.

The most popular Christmas song is said to be 'White Christmas,' which is

popular even in warm and tropical climates where people sing of 'dreaming of a

White Christmas,' which in reality they would not want. Other popular Christmas

songs and carols are: Away in a Manger, which tells the Nativity story in song;

O Holy Night, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels and Angels

we have Heard on High.

All of those songs are sacred and are all about the story of Jesus' birth. Of

note also is Handel's majestic 'Hallelujah Chorus,' which is a favorite that

choirs like to sing because of the splendor embodied in the music.

Nat King Cole's 'Chestnut Roasting On an Open Fire' is a classical favorite. It

defies categorization as it isn't sacred but is also not considered secular like

a song such as 'Sleigh Ride.' Among secular Christmas songs, there are also

funny ones such as 'I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus Underneath the Mistletoe

Last Night' and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The availability of a wide

Christmas music selection makes it possible to choose ones for different

occasions, such as for general use at home, for a fun or informal party or for a

formal dinner. As an example, selections can be made to create the right mood at

the start of a party, followed by more lively music when the party is in full

swing, and then selections to slow down the pace when the party is nearing its

end.

It's also important to note that professional groups such as choirs, symphonies

and orchestras will also record performances of Christmas music on albums. For

the very serious and critical music aficionados, these albums will provide

wonderful listening pleasure and also make good Christmas presents. Listening to

music from those groups is also a way of enjoying their performances if doesn't

get the opportunity to attend a live concert by the professional group.

Whatever selections of Christmas music are made however, it's likely that it

will create a festive mood and spirit among all who hear or are listening to the

Why Christmas is Really All About Children

It could be said that since it was the birth of a baby as a gift to
mankind that gave rise to Christmas, then children should also and always be the
primary focus of the season. Individual families will say they have always put
children first and parents will sacrifice seeking their desires at Christmas to
make sure their children are satisfied. And although adults also look forward
with much anticipation to the Christmas season, the frenzy that accounts for all
the shopping and preparation during the Christmas season is really for the
benefit of children.

From a financial perspective, the extensive shopping done at Christmas is
really of benefit to businesses. But what really drives the maddening shopping
activity is a desire by parents, relatives, friends and acquaintances to play

Santa Claus, mainly for children. Within families, children are usually the ones
who individually receive the most gifts. And it's deservedly so because their
wide-eyed anticipation, excitement and pure joy when they open their Christmas
presents gives everyone an indescribably happy feeling.

Along with playing Santa Claus and secretly getting gifts for children,
adults also use the Santa story for all it's worth as an effective means of
discipline. As soon as the Fall season approaches, children will begin to hear
warnings about their behavior and the consequence of Santa Claus not leaving any
toys or presents like the wonderful ones they received in the prior year. And
when the Santa Claus story is not being used to help to get the best behavior
from children, it is simply pure fun to delight them by telling them stories
about Santa Claus, his elves and reindeers to simply enliven their imagination.

The story of Santa Claus is even useful for older children who may just be
starting to unravel the mystery of Santa Claus. The stories that tell of
different places where Santa Claus actually lives can be a starting point to go
on an imaginative journey around the globe and become a geography lesson to
learn about those places.

Children are also central to Christmas because the many grand displays of
Christmas scenery, colorful lights and sparkling ornaments really target the
attention of children. So, if children were not so important at Christmas time,
then it is quite possible that many of the traditions that make Christmas what
it is would not exist. As an example, Valentine's Day and holidays related to
Easter have a much different mood and atmosphere. Children aren't the focus in
celebrations for those special periods.

Christmas is also an important period for the toy industry whose clients
are naturally children. Although the industry is part of the big retail picture
and therefore seeks to boost sales during the Christmas season, there is also a
deeper meaning for children. Toys are important to entertain, to educate, to
help children develop their imagination and to develop coordination and other
skills in children. Toys can also help children to play together and learn to
share.

The toy industry is therefore important at Christmas time in introducing new
products that are integral to the development of children. When children become
totally captivated by a new toy at Christmas time, it may help them to learn a
new skill or provide new knowledge all in a fun and captivating way that will
make it more likely that whatever is learned will be remembered.
Children are also the focus of Christmas celebrations because it is important to create fond childhood memories of the season. These memories are created not by children necessarily receiving a lot, but by enjoying everything about the season. The story of Jesus with the moral of sharing, giving and doing kind deeds for others can also help to build a good character and set a moral foundation that teaches children to have empathy and compassion during the Christmas season and all throughout the year.